tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68049583738788244202018-03-07T15:49:49.736-08:00Budget MMA BlogMMA without breaking the bankBuget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-65391238687916244172008-10-24T09:56:00.000-07:002008-10-24T10:33:00.367-07:00PPV Battle: UFC 90 vs. $45Do you believe that Anderson Silva is so good that it is worth buying a PPV featuring him regardless of the rest of the card, even if he's fighting an oppenent that has roughly no chance against him?<br /><br />Are you related to one of the fighters on the card?<br /><br />If you answered, "yes," to either of these questions, then UFC 90 is worth your $45. Otherwise, save you money and look for video of Silva vs. Cote on the internet Sunday morning.<br /><br />Shallow preview of the main card:<br /><br />Silva vs. Cote<br /><br />Arguably the best fighter in the world vs a good gatekeeper. It is Silva vs. Leben all over again, or maybe Silva vs. Irvin.<br /><br />Koscheck vs. Alves<br /><br />Best fight on the card in terms of matched talent and styles. Alves should be able to keep Koscheck from laying on him for 3 rounds.<br /><br />Werdum vs. Dos Santos<br /><br />Werdum is more of a favorite in this fight than Silva is in his. That should tell you everything you need to know about this one.<br /><br />"King Lay'n Pray" Sherk vs. "Unable to finish" Griffin<br /><br />If you could bet on whether or not a fight would go to a decision, what would be the money line of this going to a decision? -1000? -2000? (For non-gamblers, -1000 means that you need to bet $1,000 to win $100)<br /><br />Possible undercard match because Silva vs. Cote finishes in the first round:<br /><br />Best guess: Leites vs. McFedries because it is the undercard match least likely to go to decision.<br /><br />To summarize:<br /><br />2 squash matches<br />1 wrestler vs wrestler decision<br />1 competitive fight<br />1 undercard fight<br /><br />Does that sound like $45 to you?Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-91085010982044667472008-10-22T12:12:00.000-07:002008-10-22T12:38:58.639-07:00Overheard at UFC 89Bisping vs Leben<br /><br /><em>"I haven't seen a Brit run that fast since Dunkirk 1940."<br /><br />"Does Bisping owe Machida royalties for that fight?"<br /><br />"Who knew Leben's cardio would ever be good enough to chase someone across the Octagon for 15 minutes?"<br /><br /></em><br /><br />Jardine vs Vera<br /><br /><em>"I'm going go get a beer."</em><br /><br />Sokoudjou vs Cane<br /><br /><em>"This is the best Sokoudjou we've ever seen," (2 minutes later) "never mind."</em><br /><br />Other<br /><br /><em>"Is Shane Carwin more Brock Lesnar than Brock Lesnar?"</em>Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-33909808559151465682008-09-08T10:57:00.000-07:002008-09-08T11:06:56.459-07:00Worst weekend for Free MMA EverOn Friday, it was announced that Thiago Silva had to withdraw from his UFC 89 match with Machida.<br /><br />http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/injured-silva-withdraws-from-ufc-89-14296<br /><br />So, much for getting to watch 2 of the top 5 light heavyweights in the world fight for free, and probably fight for a title show.<br /><br />But, that's ok because there's a free WEC event coming up this week, right? Wrong, that event had to be delayed until November.<br /><br />http://fiveouncesofpain.com/2008/09/06/wecs-sept-10-event-postponed-until-nov-5/<br /><br />In two days, we lost one of the best free MMA fights of all time and had a WEC event pushed back 2 months. FuckBuget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-46027583563070748652008-09-06T23:08:00.000-07:002008-09-06T23:20:39.172-07:00I didn't see that coming...Damn, apparently Evans knocked Liddell way the fuck out of the title picture, or at least as out of the title picture as one of MMA's biggest names can be, and knocked himself off the "I won't pay to watch" list by Sean Salmon'ing Liddell.<br /><br />Who now fights Forrest Griffin for the light heavyweight belt in December? <br /><br />Liddell's out of contention, Machida has no name recognition & can't finish, Thiago Silva's injured (fuck, and more on that in a latter post), and Jackson isn't a viable champ until his criminal trial is over.<br /><br />I'd say that leaves 3 people:<br /><br />Evans who has the record and just gave himself some serious name recognition (fight could be billed as "UFC: Ultimate Ultimate Fighter")<br /><br />Wanderlei has the history & is a decently sized name in the US (fight could be billed as "UFC: Generations")<br /><br />Silva, assuming he beats Cote & doesn't get a medical suspension, has name recognition in the US & has the credentials. And, it is the easiest of these fights to sell, "UFC: Champion vs Champion."<br /><br />Enjoy the real start of the NFL season tomorrow (1 game on Thursday night doesn't count as the start). Hopefully, it'll help ease the pain of today being the worst day in the history of free MMA (more on that later this week).Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-47502664343055029942008-09-04T13:14:00.000-07:002008-09-04T13:40:40.962-07:00September PPV Battle: UFC 88 vs $45Do you like lay & pray fighting? Do you think the most thrilling thing in MMA is watching a wrestler lay on top of someone for 3 rounds? If so, you'll love UFC 88. Otherwise, save your money.<br /><br />Main Event:<br /><br />Liddell vs Evans<br /><br />The counter-punching face of the UFC vs an "I won't pay to watch" wrestler. If Liddell's sprawl holds up, he'll most likely KO Evans eventually. If not, Evans will lay on top of Liddell for the whole fight.<br /><br />Main Card:<br /><br />Frankln vs Hamill<br /><br />Hamill is Evans, only slower, deaf, and white. Franklin is a guy other than Penn or Silva that's trying to fight above his weight class. Franklin's screwed. I doubt he's strong enough to keep Hamill off him, and he most likely doesn't have the power to stop a light-heavyweight. So, Hamill's going to lay on Franklin, early & often.<br /><br />Parisyan vs Yoshida<br /><br />Parisyan hasn't been the same since an injury forced him to withdraw from his title shot against Hughes. He's still a decision machine, they're no longer entertaining decisions. They're slow, uneventful decisions.<br /><br />Henderson vs Palhares<br /><br />Henderson was one of the best in the world. Is his 2 fight losing streak the result of him being over the hill or is it because he was fighting two of the best in the world (Jackson & Silva)? <br /><br />But, more importantly, why the hell isn't he fighting Franklin? Henderson and Franklin are the 2nd & 3rd best 185 lb'ers in the world. Why the hell aren't they fighting each other?<br /><br />If Henderson beats Palhares, he's probably 1 fight away from a rematch against Silva. If Henderson loses, he should consider hanging it up.<br /><br />Kampmann vs Marquardt<br /><br />Best fight on the card. Kampmann has looked fantastc lately & Marquardt is extremely talented. Winner of this could easily get to lose to Silva next.<br /><br />Hmmm... lay & pray vs counter punch, lay & pray vs undersized, boring decision machine vs I forget who, finding out if some one has anything left, & a good fight. That equals save your money. Besides there's enough free MMA coming this month (WEC, Ultimate Fight Night, and a new season of the Ultimate Fighter) that there's no need to waste cash on this one.Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-80055756566788790662008-08-28T18:22:00.000-07:002008-08-28T19:15:33.154-07:00Is this legal?Quinton "Rampage" Jackson has decided joined Wolfslair. Jackson joining a gym/team is a good sign of him getting things back on track. <br /><br />There's just one problem: Wolfslair is located in England and Jackson is currently facing multiple felony charges. I don't mean to imply that Jackson is trying to pull an Ira Einhorn and permanently flee the country, but aren't you not allowed to leave the country while on trial, or between arraignment and trail. <br /><br />Are there any lawyers out there, who read this blog, that can explain the situation? Most of my knowledge of the US legal system comes from Jack McCoy and the oh so lovely Angie Harmon so I'm far from an expert.<br /><br />http://www.fightersonlymagazine.co.uk/news/viewarticle.php?id=974Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-34883259977435868402008-08-25T21:52:00.000-07:002008-08-26T20:23:32.075-07:00World's Most Overrated ManHe hasn't won a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MMA</span> fight in 4 years.<br /><br />He's an ex-professional wrestler.<br /><br />He lost his last 5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MMA</span> fights.<br /><br />He turns his fights into <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">embarrassing</span> personal feuds.<br /><br />He lost 8 of his last 10 fights.<br /><br />If you complain after he cuts in front of you in line, he starts yelling about how you need to respect him.<br /><br />He once tried to hide the fact that he tapped out after his opponent released the hold.<br /><br />He hasn't made it out of the first round in 6 years.<br /> <br />He is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kimbo</span> Slice's next opponent.<br /><br />He is the World's Most Overrated Man.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mfAYfo_KWRU/SLOMcB6bD0I/AAAAAAAAAA4/GLgocdKHNSU/s1600-h/Not+pictured,+dignity.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5238685204739723074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mfAYfo_KWRU/SLOMcB6bD0I/AAAAAAAAAA4/GLgocdKHNSU/s320/Not+pictured,+dignity.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><p>"I don't always lose my fights, but when I do, I prefer referee stoppage followed by my complaining."</p>Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-64716880772478746002008-08-25T18:09:00.000-07:002008-08-25T18:34:24.667-07:00Olympic MMA?As the Bejing Olympics ended on Sunday, people started speculating about the 2012 Olympics in London. <br /><br />Could England top China's Opening Ceremony and event sites? <br /><br />Could England spend anywere near the $40 billion that China supposed spent on the olympics? <br /><br />Would England sentence any of its citizens to hard labor if they asked to protest? <br /><br />Would softball and baseball be back for the 2012 games or would they be dropped from the Olympics?<br /><br />What other sports are on the chopping block?<br /><br />Will any sports be added, and if so which ones?<br /><br />Could MMA become an Olympic sport? The Olympics have a long history of popular sports. Beach volleyball became an Olympic sport after the AVP established the sport's broad appeal. Snowboarding was added to the Olympics after the X-Games started being televised on network TV. BMX, another "extreme sport" just road the rising tide of the X-Games to Olympic exclusion. <br /><br />There's no arguing that MMA is experiencing a meteoric rise in popularity (http://budgetmmafan.blogspot.com/search/label/general%20intro) or that Olympic MMA would help the medal counts of Brazil & Japan. And, many MMA elements are already in the Olympics (wrestling, boxing, Judo, etc.). The big question is whether or not MMA can be made Olympic friendly. <br /><br />Can MMA be Olympic-ified, like boxing, so athletes can fight 5 - 6 times in a fortnight? I don't think it can be.Olympic-ifing striking disciplines like boxing and tae-kwon-do involves throwing on a bunch of pads/protective gear. Problem is you can't wrestle or use jui-jitsu if you and your opponent are covered in pads.<br /><br />I'd love to see the additional free MMA of Olympic MMA in 2012, but we're more likely to get stuck with Olympic skateboarding than Olympic MMA.Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-68627041123306465262008-08-20T20:08:00.000-07:002008-08-20T21:06:23.237-07:00Where to go, Tito?Tito Ortiz's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">UFC</span> contract has officially expired (there was a 60 day no compete clause in his contract that took effect after his fight with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Machida</span>).<br /><br />Tito recently claimed to have signed a "ground breaking contract" with Affliction. But he hasn't he's still in negotiations with Affliction, and with almost every other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MMA</span> promotion in existence (except for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Strikeforce</span> oddly enough). <a href="http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/pro/2008/08/18/ddn081808spinside.html">http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/pro/2008/08/18/ddn081808spinside.html</a><br /><br />Since, Tito's still on the market, let's take a look at his options:<br /><br />Affliction<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Pro's</span>:<br />Affliction is the biggest <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">MMA</span> promotion that isn't the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">UFC</span>.<br /><br />Tito loves the spotlight Affliction is a big organization and can provide that.<br /><br />Tito is still has name recognition with casual fans in the US. He'll bring in some extra <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">PPV</span> buys. Affliction needs those casual fans to buy their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">PPV's</span> &amp; see <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Fedor</span>.<br /><br />Con's:<br />Affliction has already gotten weary of giving out incredibly lucrative contracts and has already asked some fighters to take a pay cut.<br /><br />Who would Tito fight? Affliction doesn't have much in terms of light heavyweight talent besides <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Sobral</span>. Tito is no longer a top talent, and whoever signs him will have to be very "selective" in picking his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">opponents</span>. So far, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Affliciton</span> hasn't given anyone easy fights.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">EliteXC</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Pro's</span>:<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">EliteXC</span> is built around an ex-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">street fighter</span> &amp; an American Gladiator. Having an ex-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">UFC</span> champion will help <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">EliteXC</span> look more like a serious <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">MMA</span> promotion and less like a circus side show.<br /><br />Tito's possibly more interested in being a celebrity than a fighter. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">EliteXC</span> is the ONLY <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">MMA</span> promotion that can put him on network TV live in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">prime time</span>. Tito signs with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">EliteXC</span> had he's a main event on network TV. He signs with Affliction or the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">UFC</span> and he's a main card fight on a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">PPV</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">EliteXC</span> has already shown that they're willing to give favorable <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">match ups</span> to their big names.<br /><br />Word on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">internet</span> is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">EliteXC</span> is done. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">EliteXC's</span> October show on CBS is supposed to be a make-or-break event. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">EliteXC</span> can't setup it's most legit fight (Noons vs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Diaz</span>) because Noons won't return <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">EliteXC's</span> calls <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116448/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116448/</a>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">EliteXC</span> is considering pulling a Great White Hype <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116448/">http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116448/</a> with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Kimbo</span> by having him fight one of the guys that beat him as an "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">amateur</span>" even though the guy isn't a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">MMA</span> fighter. If Tito signs with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">EliteXC</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">EliteXC</span> survives, Titos' the man that saved <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">EliteXC</span>. If Tito signs with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">EliteXC</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">EliteXC</span> still fold, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">EliteXC</span> was dead anyway, but Tito got to fight (and win, based on how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">EliteXC</span> picks opponents) on network TV.<br /><br />Con's:<br />Money<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">UFC</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Pro's</span>:<br />Tito still has enough name recognition to function as a gatekeeper. Put him in one or two fights against favorable competition. Then, put him in against an upcoming talent that needs a big name win to get some name recognition (ex. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Thiago</span> Silva).<br /><br />Con's:<br />Tito &amp; Dana White dislike each other.<br /><br />Doubtful that Tito would settle for that role.<br /><br />Ortiz vs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Machida</span> - Tito was supposed to be a big name win to give <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Machida</span> some recognition with casual fans. The recognition <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">Machida</span> got was being the guy who won a boring fight <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">against</span> Tito.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">AFL</span>/other<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">Pro's</span>:<br />Tito can be the main event.<br /><br />Having Tito will slightly raise the profile of the organization.<br /><br />Con's:<br />Money<br /><br />No spotlight/publicity for Tito.<br /><br />I've been waiting for Tito to sign with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">EliteXC</span> ever since his last fight with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">UFC</span>. Its the perfect fit for Tito. Unfortunately, I doubt Tito will sign with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">EliteXC</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">EliteXC</span> and Affliction are the only two promotions that it makes sense for Tito. So, if Tito won't sign with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">EliteXC</span>, Affliction is really his only other option.Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-13809360887125701232008-08-14T14:56:00.000-07:002008-08-14T15:01:08.133-07:00UFC 90 Poster & Proposed Title<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mfAYfo_KWRU/SKSqQvAGGTI/AAAAAAAAAAw/sJyREmyfLEQ/s1600-h/ufc90poster.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234495871382853938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_mfAYfo_KWRU/SKSqQvAGGTI/AAAAAAAAAAw/sJyREmyfLEQ/s320/ufc90poster.jpg" border="0" /></a> There's the official poster for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">UFC</span> 90. Based on the picture of Silva &amp; Cote, I'm guessing this will be "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">UFC</span> 90: Please, don't hurt me Mr. Silva."Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-3612190657463226762008-08-14T14:54:00.000-07:002008-08-14T14:56:25.344-07:00Nothing gay about this..<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mfAYfo_KWRU/SKSpm9EkxEI/AAAAAAAAAAo/Wwm2z07ntlk/s1600-h/brock%27s+titty+fuck+tat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5234495153605231682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_mfAYfo_KWRU/SKSpm9EkxEI/AAAAAAAAAAo/Wwm2z07ntlk/s320/brock%27s+titty+fuck+tat.jpg" border="0" /></a> nope, nothing at all.<br /><div></div>Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-28745373724277076942008-08-12T16:59:00.000-07:002008-08-12T17:51:38.222-07:00Cheick Kongo is delusionalAfter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">TKO'ing</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">UFC</span> debutant Dan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Evensen</span> [who?], Kongo proclaimed:<br /><br />“Everybody knows I deserve a title fight.”<br /><br />Really, Kongo? I know the UFC's heavyweight devision is paper thin at best, but really? Everyone know you deserve a title shot? Let's look at your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">UFC</span> career.<br /><br />You started your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">UFC</span> career with 2 impressive TKO wins against decent competition. After those 2 wins, a bunch of people (myself included) thought that you were the next big thing at heavyweight.<br /><br />Then, you became a decision machine. And, not an entertaining lightweight decision machine. A big, slow, very little action, heavyweight decision machine.<br /><br />You dropped a majority decision to decent competition.<br /><br />Then, one of the lesser Silva's (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Assuerio</span>) exposed your complete and total lack of a ground game in a decision that you managed to win. I can still hear <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Rogan</span> going on for 2 rounds about how you needed to be kidnapped and just work on your wrestling for a few months.<br /><br />To your credit, you took <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Rogan's</span> advice and developed a ground game, sort of. You spent your next 2 fights laying on top of ghost of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Cro</span> Cop that recently appeared in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">UFC</span> &amp; Herring. Actually, you only <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">layed</span> on top of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Cro</span> Cop's ghost for 3 rounds, Herring did enough to beat you.<br /><br />And, you finally got another TKO on Saturday.<br /><br />Let's look at the numbers<br />5-2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">UFC</span> record (22-4-1 overall)<br />3-1 against decent competition<br />2-1 against mid-level competition (calling <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Assuerrio</span> Silva, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Cro</span> Cop that recently showed up in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">UFC</span>, and the current Herring, mid-level competition might be generous)<br />3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">TKO's</span><br />4 painful decisions<br />Zero top 10 rankings that I know of. Not being able to crack the top 10 at heavyweight is brutal since Sylvia keeps managing to do it based solely on size and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Cro</span> Cop keeps doing it based on name recognition.<br /><br />Who exactly is "everyone" that thinks you deserve a title shot?Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-18357373715686990892008-08-11T16:36:00.000-07:002008-08-11T17:37:05.332-07:00UFC 87 Thoughts featuring Geto BoysI didn't watch <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">UFC</span> 87, but that's not going to stop me from talking about the event.<br /><br />I'm using the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Geto</span> Boys timeless "Damn it Feels Good to be a Gangsta" to help me comment on the event. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Geto</span> Boys &amp; "Damn if Feels Good to be a Gangsta" are best known to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MMA</span> fans (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ie</span>. white people) for their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">appearance</span> on the soundtrack to Office Space.<br /><br /><em>A real gangsta-ass <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">nigga</span> plays his cards <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">right</span></em><br /><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error">A</span> real gangsta-ass <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">nigga</span> never runs his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">fuckin</span> mouth </em><br /><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Cuz</span> real gangsta-ass <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">niggas</span> don't start fights </em><br />Jason MacDonald - You never hear him running his mouth and he keeps overachieving. Yeah, he lost, but who thought he'd be able to fight off some of Maia's submissions &amp; get Maia in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">trouble</span>.<br /><br /><em>And <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">niggas</span> always gotta high cap</em><br /><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Showin</span>' all his boys how he shot em</em><br /><em>But real gangsta-ass <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">niggas</span> don't flex nuts</em><br /><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Cuz</span> real gangsta-ass <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">niggas</span> know they got em</em><br />Brock <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Lesnar</span> - Even Tito Ortiz thought your post fight (and end of fight) clowning in the Octagon was excessive. Act like you've been here before. You didn't win a title or pull off a major upset. You beat a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">perennial</span> also ran in a fight were you were a 2-1 to 3-1 favorite.<br /><br /><em>And <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">everythings</span> cool in the mind of a gangsta</em><br /><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Cuz</span> gangsta-ass <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">niggas</span> think deep</em><br /><em>Up three-sixty-five a year 24/7</em><br /><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Cuz</span> real gangsta ass <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">niggas</span> don't sleep</em><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">GSP</span> - He's not quite as active as Silva (but who is?), but moments after his win against the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">nd</span> highest rated 170 lb in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">UFC</span>, and a consensus top 10 170 lb in the world, he <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">acepted </span>a challenge from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">BJ</span> Penn.<br /><br /><em>And all I gotta say to you</em><br /><em>Wannabe, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">gonnabe</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">cocksuckin</span>', pussy-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">eatin</span>' <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">prankstas</span></em><br /><em><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Cuz</span> when the fry dies down what the fuck you gonna do</em><br /><em>Damn it feels good to be a gangsta</em><br />Jon Fitch - This is harsh because I like Fitch, and his loss came against the best 170 lb in the world and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in he world. But,what can he do when he can't out wrestle his opponent?<br /><br /><em>Although I was born in Jamaica</em><br /><em>Now I'm in the US <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">makin</span>' deals</em><br /><em>Damn it feels good to be a gangsta</em><br /><em>I mean one that you don't really know</em><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Demain</span> Maia - He's not from Jamaica, but he's 8-0 (3-0 in the UFC) and looks like a serious contender to be the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">nd</span> best middleweight in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">UFC</span> (no one's a contender to over take Silva as the best middleweight for at least a year and a half)<br /><br /><em>Real gangsta-ass <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">niggas</span> don't talk much</em><br /><em>All ya hear is the black from the gun blast</em><br />Rob Emerson - You didn't hear him talking before <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">UFC</span> 87, partly because no one could figure out how his fight was on the main card, but damn people are now talking about his KO of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Gamburyan</span>.<br /><br /><em>Now when you in the free world <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">talkin</span>' shit do the shit</em><br /><em>Hit the pen and let the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">mothafuckas</span> shank ya</em><br />Heath Herring &amp; Roger Huerta - Before getting in the cage, Herring was complaining about Mir fighting for the title instead of him &amp; that he shouldn't have to fight <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Lesnar</span>. Before getting in the cage, Huerta was bitching about his contract and asking for a Chuck <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Liddel</span> level contract that pays a guaranteed 6 figures plus points on the pay-per-view. In the cage, both Herring and Huerta got stopped. Both men lost unanimous decisions with neither one winning a round.<br /><br />Sadly, none of the lyrics can live up to Kongo's insane post fight comments which deserve their own post, that post is coming later this week.<br /><br />Full lyrics:<br /><a href="http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/officespace/damnitfeelsgoodtobeagangsta.htm">http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/officespace/damnitfeelsgoodtobeagangsta.htm</a><br />Full <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">UFC</span> 87 results:<br /><a href="http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/26111758/">http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/26111758/</a>Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-60501213983221971052008-08-08T09:45:00.000-07:002008-08-08T11:10:13.960-07:00The WAMMA Problem<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">WAMMA</span>, World Alliance of Mixed Martial Arts <a href="http://gowamma.com/index.asp">http://gowamma.com/index.asp</a>, is a relatively new company that formed with the noble intention of crowning undisputed champions via the highly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">scientific</span> and never controversial method of a media poll, a system that works fantastically for college football.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">WAMMA</span> has put together a ranking <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">committee</span> composed almost entirely of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">MMA</span> reporters, and every month this <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">committee</span> comes up with the top 10 fighters in each weight class. The fighters voted #1 in their weight classes do not automatically become <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">WAMMA</span> Champions. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">WAMMA</span> champions are crowned when the top ranked fighter in a weight class takes on a highly ranked opponent, in a fight that WAMMA approves.<br /><br /><br />Sounds like an interesting idea, right? There's just one major problem. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">WAMMA</span> is not an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">MMA</span> promotion, it has put on exactly zero fights, and it never plans on putting on a single fight. Instead, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">WAMMA</span> tries to "partner" with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">MMA</span> promotions where by the "partner" puts together the fight card &amp; event, but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">WAMMA</span> gets to give out the belt.<br /><br />Oddly enough, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Zuffa</span>, which owns the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">UFC</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">WEC</span>, told <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">WAMMA</span> to fuck off when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">WAMMA</span> approached <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Zuffa</span>. This was a smart move for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">UFC</span>. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">UFC</span> has developed into the best known <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">MMA</span> promotion/brand, and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">UFC</span> can promote Jackson vs. Griffin for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">UFC</span> light heavyweight championship just fine on its own without trying to explain to people that its <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">WAMMA's</span> top ranked light heavyweight versus <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">WAMMA's</span> #3 ranked light heavyweight for the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">WAMMA</span> belt.<br /><br />Since Affliction was a start up that hadn't put on a single event when <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">WAMMA</span> approached them, Affliction decided to "partner" with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">WAMMA</span>. Hey, when you're a new promotion, you need all the additional publicity you can get.<br /><br />So, Affliction was able to hype Affliction:<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Banned's</span> main event as the battle for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">WAMMA's</span> undisputed heavyweight championship. Which helped make Affliction: Banned look like a bigger event than it was and gave the event some added publicity.<br /><br />We all know what happened. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Fedor</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">WAMMA's</span> #1, beat Sylvia, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">WAMMA's</span> #4, and won the first ever <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">WAMMA</span> belt. Hooray, Affliction got to give out a belt at its first event and could have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Fedor</span> in a title defense in its second event, Affliction: Day of Reckoning against either <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">WAMMA's</span> #3 heavyweight, Barnett, or its #4, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Arlovksi</span>.<br /><br />Unfortunately, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Fedor</span> can't/won't compete in Affliction: Day of Reckoning. Instead, the main event will be Barnett vs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">Arlovski</span> in what <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">WAMMA</span> has decided will be Heavyweight Elimination Bout. That's fine and dandy because Affliction was planning on having the winner fight <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Fedor</span> at its next event, right?<br /><br />Wrong, there's a difference between having a plan as to how you'll run your promotion and having someone tell you how to run it. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">WAMMA</span> just said that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Fedor</span> can only defend his belt against the winner of Barnett vs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">Arlovski</span>. Think of the problems.<br /><br />What if the winner ends up on a medical suspension and can't fight for a few months/until after Affliction 3? Too bad, that title defense will have to wait until then. If <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Affliciton</span> wants <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">Fedor</span> to fight someone at Affliction 3, it'll have to be a non-title fight. That's always an easy sell, "come see the champion, fight someone in a non-title fight. No, he's not moving up a weight class or anything unique. We just can't call this a title fight because the champ isn't fighting the right guy."<br /><br />The Barnett vs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">Arlovski</span> winner could demand a new contract/crazy (make that crazier, I forgot how much Affliction is already paying them) money to fight <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">Fedor</span>, and Affliction will have to fold or there cannot be a title fight. For the first time ever, the contender will be as important to the title fight as the champ. The champ used to be way more <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">important</span> than the challenger because the champ was the only fighter you needed for a title fight. You could always grab a new challenger if the current one wanted too much money, and it would still be a title fight. Now, the champ and challenger are equally important to the title fight. I'm sure Affliction is pleased knowing that it'll have to appease 2 fighters in order to have a title fight.<br /><br />Assuming there's no medical suspension problems or contract complaints and Affliction manages to have Fedor defend his belt against the winner of Barnett vs Arlovski at Affliction 3. And assume that Fedor wins, when can Fedor defend his belt again? If Fedor's opponent has to be ranked in the top 5 for it to be a title defense, Affliction is dependent on WAMMA's rankings for title defenses. Those WAMMA rankings will probably look something like this after that fight:<br /><br />Champ: Fedor<br />#1: Noguiera (assuming he beats Mir, if he doesn't its even worse for Affliction because both Noguiera and Mir could potentially be in the top 5)<br />#2: Couture (if WAMMA was going to drop him for inactivitely/being retired it would have done so by now)<br />#3: Werdum (he's currently #5, and who's he going to lose to between now and January since he won't be fighting either Noguiera or Mir?)<br />#4: Barnett vs Arlovksi winner (the winner would have just lost to Fedor and I doubt WAMMA would drop them out of the top 5 for that loss)<br />#5: Sylvia (he's currently #6 &amp; will probably leapfrog with loser of Barnett vs Arlovski due to his not fighting at Affliction: Day of Reckoning)<br /><br />So, Affliction's options for a title defense could easily be either Sylvia, the guy Fedor walked through at Affliction: Banned, or the guy Fedor beat in Affliction: Day of Reckoning. Does either recycled main event sound like something that'll drive PPV buys?<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">WAMMA</span> is bad news to any promotion. The little bit of added hype/publicity doesn't make up for losing control of your promotion, your fighters, and your championship <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">belts</span>.<br /><br />Also, I wonder what would happen if a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">WAMMA</span> champ lost in a fight that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">WAMMA</span> didn't consider a title fight. Would <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">WAMMA</span> drop his ranking and strip him of his belt?Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-88166688553185283532008-08-07T17:00:00.000-07:002008-08-07T17:57:30.230-07:00WEC: Kings of Free MMAThe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">WEC</span> is a funny promotion.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Zuffa</span>, the parent company of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">WEC</span> &amp; <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">UFC</span>, treats the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">WEC's</span> lightweight through heavyweight divisions as the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">UFC's</span> minor league.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">WEC</span> has two of the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world (Faber &amp; Torres) in two weight classes that the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">UFC</span> doesn't even carry, 135 and 145.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">WEC</span> events are broadcast on Versus, the extended, extended cable network best known for airing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">NLL</span> &amp; NHL.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">WEC</span> has arguably the best commentary team in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">MMA</span>. Mir has grown <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">into</span> the best color commentator in the game, and he keeps getting better.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">WEC</span> is the most consistently entertaining brand in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">MMA</span>. Their most recent event on the 3rd was no exception. It featured 4 free fights, all of which were extremely entertaining with a lot of action standing and on the ground.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">WEC's</span> success/entertainment value comes from how incredibly well it uses its roster. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">WEC</span> seems to embrace the saying, "you don't need 2 great fighters for a great fight, you need 2 evenly matched fighters." The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">WEC</span> keeps its fights balanced. You rarely get a fight where there's a heavy favorite that walks through his opponent.<br /><br />The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">WEC's</span> next event is on Sept 10<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">th</span>, I highly recommend setting your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">DVR's</span>. Heck, set your <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">DVR's</span> now for reruns of early <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">WEC</span> events. You'll be glad you did.<br /><br />Note: I'm not saying that any of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">WEC's</span> lightweight to heavyweight fighters couldn't compete in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">UFC</span>. Some clearly could, ex. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Condit</span>, but on the whole the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">WEC's</span> lightweight to heavyweight classes aren't as talented as the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">UFC's</span>.Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-34215225557340933502008-08-06T12:04:00.001-07:002008-08-06T12:06:30.148-07:00Worst Tattoo in MMA<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mfAYfo_KWRU/SJn15voTxLI/AAAAAAAAAAg/iCyqbRDEtuY/s1600-h/Going+right+towards+his+mouth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231482814554424498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_mfAYfo_KWRU/SJn15voTxLI/AAAAAAAAAAg/iCyqbRDEtuY/s320/Going+right+towards+his+mouth.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Hands down <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Lesnar's</span> chest tattoo. The worst is when the handle of the knife/sword isn't in the picture.Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-48368542448484084102008-08-04T16:58:00.000-07:002008-08-04T18:05:52.903-07:00August PPV Battle: UFC 87 vs $55There's only one big <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">PPV</span> this month, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">UFC</span> 87. So, instead of deciding which <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PPV</span> is more worth your money, I'm going to try and decide if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">UFC</span> 87 is worth your $55.<br /><br />Main Event:<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">GSP</span> vs Fitch<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">GSP</span> is typically a very entertaining fighter. He fights at a fast pace and is talented enough to not only take the fighter <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">anywhere</span>, but to also finish the fight anywhere, unlike, oh say, Forrest Griffin.<br /><br />Fitch is a decision machine.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">GSP</span> is out to cement his place as the top 170 lb fighter in the world and try to get his name thrown back into the best pound-for-pound fighter debate.<br /><br />Fitch wants to show the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">UFC</span> how big a mistake they made cutting him from the first season of The Ultimate Fighter at the last minute (Note: He was dropped for Diego Sanchez).<br /><br />As much as I like Fitch, I don't see this fight being close. I think Vegas listing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">GSP</span> as -325 is an understatement. Fitch is pretty much a one-dimensional wrestler who can't finish, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">GSP</span> can finish a fight anywhere.<br /><br />I can't call this one an entertaining fight because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">GSP's</span> one-sided victories aren't as captivating as Silva's. When watching Silva walk-through an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">opponent</span>, you feel as though you're watching one of the greatest ever. Right now, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">GSP</span> doesn't give off that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">historically</span> great vibe.<br /><br />This main event doesn't kill the card and can easily be saved by a good main card. Let's look at the main card.<br /><br />Main Card:<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Lesnar</span> vs Herring<br /><br />It is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">UFC's</span> sideshow versus a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">perennial</span> also-ran.<br /><br />Herring's good enough to always be in the mix at heavyweight, but he's not good enough to be anything more than in the mix. Also, since coming to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">UFC</span>, he's proved incapable of finishing a fight.<br /><br />Do you think <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Lesnar</span> is jealous of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Kimbo</span> Slice? Slice gets to main event <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">EliteXC</span> while fighting Thompson &amp; Abbott, while <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Lesnar</span> gets thrown in against ex-champ, and possibly future champ, Mir and the solid Herring. It is a great strategy on Dana White's part. Either <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Lesnar</span> proves himself to be an elite heavyweight or by the time his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">UFC</span> contract is up he's useless to any other promotion (crappy record and no longer a novelty).<br /><br />This will probably play out like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Lesnar's</span> 2 previous fights. He'll come charging out, get the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">take down</span>, and flail away from full-guard. Only this time he'll probably get the stoppage because Herring's ground game has looked like crap lately (he got dominated on the ground by O'Brien and struggled on the ground against Kongo).<br /><br />Entertaining? No, Herring's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">UFC</span> fights have been crap. I've seen <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Lesnar's</span> shtick before, and the novelty factor has already worn off.<br /><br />Florian vs Huerta<br /><br />Fuck and yes.<br /><br />These 2 guys are arguably the 2<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">nd</span> and 3rd best lightweights in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">UFC</span> (I put both of them ahead of lay-and-pray <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Sherk</span>, largely because I hate watching <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Sherk</span>, and you can make an argument for putting them ahead of Stevenson) and both are either top 10 or top 15 lightweights in the world.<br /><br />I can't recommend this fight highly enough. It has 2 extremely talented lightweights both of whom fight at a fast pace and can actually finish fights.<br /><br />Entertaining: Absolutely.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Gamburyan</span> vs Emerson<br /><br />What exactly has Emerson done to deserve main card status? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Gamburyan</span> has ditched the lay-and-pray style that he used so effectively on whichever season of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">TUF</span> he was on and has become a bit of a submission dynamo. Emerson lucked his way into a no contest when Maynard put his head too far forward on a slam <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">KO'ing</span> himself and won a bad spilt decision in an incredibly <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">forgettable</span> fight. And, that's after losing twice while on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">TUF</span>. How does that translate into the main card of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">PPV</span>?<br /><br />Entertaining: <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Neither</span> fighter makes you groan, but I can't help wondering how this made its way onto the main card.<br /><br />MacDonald vs Maia<br /><br />This is a battle of 2 very good middleweights.<br /><br />Right now, MacDonald is a gatekeeper for elite middleweights. He'll finish average to good middleweights, but will be overwhelmed by <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">elite</span> middleweights (see his fight against Franklin). But, he is always fun to watch.<br /><br />This fight will let everyone know how good Maia is. He's looked very good finishing his 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">UFC</span> fights against solid competition.<br /><br />This fight has as much talent as Cote vs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">Almeida</span>, but styles that should make for a more entertaining fight, of course, waiting in line at the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">DMV</span> is more entertaining than Cote vs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">Almeida</span> was.<br /><br />Entertaining: Yes<br /><br />In total, we have a lackluster main event, a novelty act, a fantastic fight, why is this a main card fight, and a solid fight. Does that make <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">UFC</span> 87 worth your $55? I'd say no.<br /><br />But wait, my cable company is running a promotion where I can order this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">PPV</span> for $45. Is this worth $45? Depends on your opinion of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">GSP</span> vs Fitch &amp; the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">Lesnar</span> side show. $45 is right on the edge of whether or not I think this one is worth it (it is worth $40, but not worth $50).<br /><br />Best news about this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">PPV</span>? Kongo has finally been demoted to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">undercard</span>. I so thought this guy was a serious heavyweight contender after he started his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">UFC</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">career</span> with 2 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">TKO's</span>. Then, he became a decision machine without knock-out power and no ground game. Then, he became unwatchable when he developed enough of a ground game to lay on top of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">Cro</span> Cop and Herring. Be very, very glad you won't have to watch him. If you have tickets to the event, use his fight as a good time to run to the bar and/or bathroom.Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-18941121848741074322008-08-01T11:44:00.001-07:002008-08-01T12:06:45.687-07:00Thought on EliteXC: Unfinished BusinessYeah, I'm really late in talking about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">EliteXC</span>: Unfinished Business, but that doesn't change the fact that the show was embarrassing from top to bottom.<br /><br />Cyborg vs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Baszler</span> started out as a good fight. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Baszler</span> had some solid submission attempts in round 1 and controlled the round. Then, Cyborg started hitting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Baszler</span> in round 2, and Cyborg completely and totally dominated the stand-up. That's where things turned embarrassing. Cyborg dropped <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Baszler</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mazigatti</span> (probably, not spelled right) half steps in, Cyborg thinks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Mazigatti's</span> stopping the fight because <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Baszler's</span> fucked, Cyborg starts celebrating, Cyborg jumps on the cage, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Mazigatti</span> instead of stopping the fight channels his best <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Shang</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Tsung</span> starts telling Cyborg to finish her.<br /><br />Guess what happens? Cyborg comes down off the cage and beats the tar out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Baszler</span> who's covering up &amp; not fighting back for about a minute and then finally <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">KO's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Baszler</span>. Then, we have the post fight interview with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">victorious</span> Cyborg to talk about the strange end of the fight, right? Wrong, the post fight interview is an interview with Gina <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Carano</span> who <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">EliteXC</span> constantly reminds us is the face/future of women's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">MMA</span>.<br /><br />After that, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">EliteXC</span> trotted out 2 fights that were completely and totally unbalanced. Jack Shields walks through Nick Thompson, and then Thomas Denny shows that even if everything goes his way, he can only make it to the second round against Nick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Diaz</span>. Yeah, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">neither</span> of these fights were remotely competitive. Shields vs Thompson was a legit fight, but what the hell was Thomas "Overwhelmed" Denny doing in the cage against Nick <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Diaz</span>?<br /><br />Then, before the main event. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">EliteXC</span> shows highlights of the heavyweight championship fight that took place before the telecast. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">EliteXC</span> effectively made its heavyweight championship a preliminary fight. Who decided to make a championship fight that features the highest paid fighter on the card a preliminary fight?<br /><br />My final beef with the event is the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">unlistenable</span> commentary. I've no beef with Gus Johnson, but Shamrock and the idiot that is "the voice of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">EliteXC</span>" are painful to listen to. Here's the play-by-play commentary you get from "the voice of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">EliteXC</span>," 'DOUBLES UP THE JAB!, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">TRIPLES</span> IT UP!" All this guy does is yell that over and over and over. He's bad enough that I miss Mike <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Goldburg</span>.<br /><br />Other examples of great commentary:<br /><br />"The women wish this fight was just as long as the men's" [10 seconds later] "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Baszler's</span> completely gassed"<br /><br />"Some people refer to Denny as the Crash Davis because he's a career minor league fighter" So, this fight features a career minor <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">leaguer</span> versus a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Diaz</span>, why the hell should I be watching it?<br /><br />"During the replay, you can really see Gina <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Carano</span> jumping up and down and getting into it. Can we mention <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Carano</span> a few more times?"Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-63975122054248770142008-07-30T11:02:00.000-07:002008-07-30T11:27:44.855-07:00Thank God its FreeHow much would you pay to watch a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">UFC</span> event broadcast in the middle of the day or at night on a tape delay with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bisping</span> vs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Leben</span> as the main event?<br /><br />$1?<br />$2.50?<br />$5?<br /><br />Well, good news <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">UFC</span> has announced that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">UFC</span> 89: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Bisping</span> vs. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Leben</span> will be broadcast on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">SpikeTV</span>, on a tape delay. <a href="http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&amp;gid=13660">http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&amp;<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">gid</span>=13660</a><br /><br />This is fantastic news. For 2 reasons:<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sokoudjou</span> vs Cane<br /><br />and more importantly<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Machida</span> vs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Thiago</span> Silva<br /><br />Those 2 fights wouldn't have been enough to salvage the event's otherwise lackluster card and make me buy the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">PPV</span>, but I'll watch any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">MMA</span> for free.<br /><br />The fact that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Bisping</span> vs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Leben</span> is the main event over <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Machida</span> vs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Thiago</span> Silva shows how little mainstream appeal/name recognition <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Machida</span> &amp; <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Thiago</span> Silva have. Here's hoping that fighting on free TV ups their name recognition so they can start to be considered for a title fight. They have the talent for a title shot, but no promotion wants to have guys that don't get PPV buys fighting for a title.Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-20944629642130685292008-07-28T13:58:00.000-07:002008-07-28T14:10:12.077-07:00<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Remember</span> when I said that Kevin Burns was a serious eye injury waiting to happen because of his inability to throw a close-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">fisted</span> punch with his left hand?<br /><br /><a href="http://budgetmmafan.blogspot.com/2008/07/that-was-lot-of-free-mma.html">http://budgetmmafan.blogspot.com/2008/07/that-was-lot-of-free-mma.html</a><br /><br />I was wrong. Burns seriously injured Anthony Johnson's eye. Johnson talked to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">MMA</span> Weekly about the extent of the injury and the surgery he had on it.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=6770&amp;zoneid=13">http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=6770&amp;<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">zoneid</span>=13</a><br /><br />You might want to pass on reading the story because it is pretty nasty.<br /><br />Johnson's doctor has told him that he'll be out until at least September. And, Johnson hopes to be fighting again in either September or October.Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-84559042597321170852008-07-23T10:16:00.000-07:002008-07-23T10:19:05.793-07:00Nooooooooo<a href="http://mmarated.com/blogs/blog/20080718/exclusive__okami_breaks_hand__potential_silva_fight_off-310.html">http://mmarated.com/blogs/blog/20080718/exclusive__okami_breaks_hand__potential_silva_fight_off-310.html</a><br /><br />According to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MMA</span> Rated, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Yushin</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Okami</span> has broken his hand. So, instead of seeing Silva defend his belt against <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Okami</span>, we'll get Silva defending his belt against Cote. Fuck. That's a fight <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">that'll</span> test the theory that I'll pay to watch any Silva fight.Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-63923620978221341352008-07-22T12:36:00.000-07:002008-07-22T13:06:29.737-07:00He made how much?The payouts for Affliction: Banned and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">UFC</span>: Silva vs Irvin have been released. You can see the full payouts on <a href="http://www.mmapayout.com/">http://www.mmapayout.com/</a><br /><br />Highlights/Thoughts:<br /><br />Affliction: Banned<br /><br />$3.3M of total payouts? Damn, you better start selling out arenas.<br /><br />A lot of people are complaining about Sylvia being overpaid at $800k. I mostly disagree. Sylvia would be overpaid if he was making $800k for a normal fight, but this wasn't a normal fight. Affliction was using this fight to establish its <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MMA</span> brand and to build up its center piece, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Fedor</span>. Think of it this way, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Affliction</span> didn't pay $800k for Sylvia, Affliction paid $800k to get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Fedor</span> a big name opponent with a credible resume (2 time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">UFC</span> champ) who's a top 5 or 10 heavyweight (no Sylvia isn't particularly skilled, but his size, and lack of heavyweights, do enough to earn him the ranking). If Affliction ever pays Sylvia this much again, its crazy, but it made sense for this fight.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Fedor's</span> number is a joke because it doesn't include any <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">PPV</span> share or other revenue. Its not a complete number.<br /><br />$500k base for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Arlovski</span> is overpaying. Unless, you signed him to be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Fedor's</span> next opponent (assuming Couture can't get out of his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">UFC</span> contract). If Affliction's paying, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Arlovski</span> this much to wrap up another big name, big resume, big talent opponent for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Fedor</span>, this makes complete sense.<br /><br />Barnett's close to being overpaid at $300k base because I doubt he's a big draw. But, this makes sense if he was Affliction's backup plan in case <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Arlovski</span> lost. Affliction secured a big talent another big talent opponent for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Fedor</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Rothwell's</span> $250k is a bit of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">head scratcher</span>. It may have taken this much to get him to fight <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Arlovski</span>. But, even if he won, he's at least 3 fights away from being a bookable opponent for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Fedor</span>, and that's a big salary to carry for that many shows.<br /><br />I got nothing to justify <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Lindland's</span> $225k base. I like him, but this is crazy money.<br /><br />Affliction paid huge money for the top guys, but it doesn't look like it gave anyone else a raise. The lowest guys that fought are making $5k, and most of the other salaries seem in line with the rest of the industry.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">UFC</span>: Silva vs Irvin<br /><br />$723k of total payouts. Do you see a difference between the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">UFC</span> &amp; Affliction?<br /><br />After looking at those Affliction payouts, Silva seems completely underpaid at $200k. Even without looking at Affliction's numbers, I'd argue that Silva's underpaid. He's a guy you can build/center your promotion around. He can fight at multiple weight classes (185, 205, and possibly 170, based on rumors). He's the best fighter out there, and I have to believe that this <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">UFC</span> run is making him into a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">size able</span> name.<br /><br />Vera's practically stealing money at $200k. I know he's supposed to be the future &amp; started out entertaining. But, I think one or two more performances like the last 2 and he'll be out of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">UFC</span>.<br /><br />Aside from Silva &amp; Vera, no one made too much.<br /><br />I'd say Velasquez is definitely due to for a raise. He looks very promising, and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">UFC</span> needs to lock up heavyweights before Affliction signs them all.Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-62019120722934267422008-07-21T15:55:00.000-07:002008-07-21T16:42:36.373-07:00That was a lot of Free MMAThoughts on Saturday's free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MMA</span> (in order that the fights aired):<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Buentello</span> def <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Goodridge</span> via unanimous decision: At least it was free. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Goodridge</span> has the excuse of taking the fight on 1 day's notice. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Buentello</span>, what's your excuse? No, I don't buy changing opponents at the last second as an excuse for a performance like that.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Belfort</span> def Martin via TKO: You think Martin would have gotten better at avoiding flying knees after his fight against Irvin. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Belfort</span> put together an effective <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Machida</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">esque</span> backing away &amp; countering first round. Martin showed that he doesn't know how to cut off the ring &amp; can only chase.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Dollaway</span> def Taylor via Peruvian necktie: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Dollaway</span> lived up to his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">ASU</span>/Hot Chicks with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Douchebags</span> lineage with an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">insanely</span> illegal "how-the-hell-wasn't-that-a-1-point-deduction" knee to Taylor when Taylor was practically laying on the ground. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Dollaway</span> then submitted a still stunned looking Taylor later in the first.<br /><br />Burns def Johnson via TKO: Burns gave a shining example of a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Pyrrhic</span> victory in a fight that probably won't set Johnson back, but might end <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Burns's</span> career.<br /><br />Why Johnson will be fine: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Mazzagatti</span> was the only one that <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">mistook</span> the eye-poke for a knock-down, and Johnson was winning the fight at the time. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">UFC</span> management will probably consider it a win in future matchmaking and not set him back. He probably won himself a bunch of new fans because 1) fans like guys then think got screwed 2) he handled himself really well after the fight (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">eg</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">criticising</span> the crowd for booing Burns).<br /><br />Why Burns could be in trouble: Its one thing unintentionally poke someone in the eye during a fight. Its bound to happen when using <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">MMA</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">gloves</span>. Its another thing to do it 4 times during a fight. It doesn't look good, but as long as you don't make a habit of it, people won't hold it against you or claim that you're a dirty fighter. Its yet another thing to admit after the fight that you have to throw your left hand as an open-palm strike (with your fingers near your opponents eyes) because you've broken that hand so many times. You've now admitted that you'll probably land one or two eye pokes a fight. Congratulations, you're now a major eye injury waiting to happen.<br /><br />Velasquez def O'Brien via TKO: That was dominant. I'd say Velasquez has solidified his standing as a legit heavyweight.<br /><br />Edgar def <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Franca</span> via unanimous decision: Edgar reminded everyone that he's one of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">UFC's</span> elite, up-tempo lightweights that can't finish. Just like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Guida</span> &amp; Griffin, he's fun to watch, but he just can't finish. Meanwhile, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Franca</span> learned that the lightweight division has changed a lot since he took on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Sherk</span> for the title.<br /><br />Vera def Any via unanimous decision: I won't be using the word entertaining or any of its <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">synonyms</span> to describe Vera for a very long time. I think Vera and his bloated salary have earned a trip to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">undercard</span> after his last 3 fights. Its not a completely impossible idea, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">UFC</span> has sent big salaries down to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">undercard</span> before (ex. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Gonzaga</span> &amp; <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Sokoudjou</span>). <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Al tough</span>, it was nice of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">Goldburg</span> &amp; <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">Rogan</span> to spend the second half of the fight making excuses for Vera.<br /><br />Silva def Irvin via TKO: Damn! I expected Silva to win, but I didn't think he'd steamroll Irvin that badly. Damn! It was almost enough to get me to start pulling for Evans to beat <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">Liddell</span> just so <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">there'd</span> be a chance of Anderson Silva vs. Forrest Griffin, Champion vs Champion (what better way to show that you have the best fighter in the world than by giving him a chance at 2 belts).<br /><br />Markham def <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">Farber</span> via KO: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">Farber</span> showed some very nice stand-up &amp; dominated the first 95 seconds. Then, he dropped his hands too much, and Markham dropped him with a high-kick that you'll be seeing on highlight reels for years to come.Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-55792280245291344592008-07-18T09:44:00.000-07:002008-07-18T10:03:59.991-07:00Even more free MMA in JulyMy apologies to Affliction. When I listed July's free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">MMA</span>, I neglected to mention that 3 of Affliction: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Banned's</span> preliminary card matches will be broadcast on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">FSN</span> (8 pm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">et</span>/ 5 pm pt).<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Aleksander</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Emelianenko</span> vs Paul <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Buentello</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Anotion</span> Rogerio <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Nogeuira</span> vs Edwin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Dewees</span> will definitely be shown along with one other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">undercard</span> fight. 2 confirmed fights feature guys best known for being the other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Emelianenko</span> or other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Nogeuira</span> taking on journeymen fighters, and the other preliminary card fights are less compelling. But, I'll watch them for free.<br /><br />July really could be greatest month of free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">MMA</span> ever. That's why all <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">MMA</span> fans should be pulling for Affliction: Banned to be, at least, a relative success. Its almost guaranteed that Affliction will lose money on the show due to the payroll of their card and the difficulty of starting a new promotion, but it can still succeed if it gets enough <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">PPV</span> buys. If it succeeds, we'll see more Affliction shows in the future (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Fedor</span> vs someone that isn't painful to watch, please) which will create more competition in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">MMA</span> world. Which should lead to more free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">MMA</span> or at least keep companies from raising their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">PPV</span> price, and maybe lower them (I'm looking at you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">UFC</span> charging $55 for a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">PPV</span> vs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Afflicition's</span> $40).Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6804958373878824420.post-66293694137368588812008-07-17T11:20:00.000-07:002008-07-17T11:59:53.497-07:00Breaking down UFC: Silva vs IrvinThoughts on this weekend's free event:<br /><br />Silva vs Irvin - I'm really excited to watch this fight on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">DVR</span> (sadly, I can't watch it live due to other plans). You already know how I feel about Silva, he's the best in the world, and the only fighter that guarantee's I'll buy a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">PPV</span>. Irvin's no slouch, the man has great power in his hands (side note: Will people stop saying he <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">KO'd</span> Houston Alexander with the Superman-punch? The punch didn't land flush &amp; Alexander slipped as much as he got knocked-down. Irvin <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">KO'd</span> Alexander with 3 fantastic flush shots from top-position, yes, Alexander, you were knocked-out). Irvin has a chance to win, if he comes out swinging. Silva starts fights very methodically, he typically spends the first 2-3 minutes getting his opponent's timing &amp; range down. If Irvin comes at Silva hard &amp; fast in those opening minutes, he has a shot. If he gives Silva time to settle in or tries to beat Silva in the clinch (as he says he will), we'll find out if Silva has enough power to KO a light heavyweight with a good chin. Based on Silva's fights against Franklin &amp; <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Leben</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Leben</span> ain't a great fighter, but he has a fantastic chin), I'd say Silva has the power.<br /><br />Vera vs Andy - Vera started off as an electrifying fighter (overstatement, but I was tired of using the word entertaining). Hopefully, dropping a weight class means he'll regain that form. I couldn't find Reese on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Wikipedia</span>, so, I'll offer some thoughts on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">fight's</span> origin. When the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">UFC</span> was putting together this "very short notice fuck Affliction" card, it allegedly (based on Vera's claims &amp; offered Vera, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Wanderlei</span> Silva, Dan Henderson, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Rameau</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Thierry</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Sokoudjou</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Nkamhoua</span>, and Reese Andy.<br /><br />Silva, Henderson, &amp; <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Sokoudjou</span> all turned the fight down which was a good move for each man. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Wanderlei</span> didn't want to fight until the end of the year, which is perfectly legit, and may net him a shot at the title if <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Liddell</span> loses to Evan. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Sokoudjou</span> didn't want to take a fight on such short notice (especially because he was on vacation when his <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">representatives</span> were contacted). Smart move on his part, there was a lot of hype surrounding his coming to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">UFC</span>, and he lost his first fight (granted the loss was to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Machida</span>). He beat his next opponent, but he's still in a somewhat precarious position because starting his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">UFC</span> career 1-2 would drop him to 5-3 and set his career back a bit. I haven't heard why Henderson turned down the fight, but it was a smart move. Back is his prime, Henderson was arguably the greatest pound-for-pound fighter ever. But, he's 37. He's past his prime and will probably only fight a few more times. He needs to choose those fights very carefully.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Franca</span> vs Edgar - This could easily be the main event for a free card. Both are top-tier lightweights. Be excited about this fight.<br /><br />Velasquez vs O'Brien - The good news is that this fight can't be as bad as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">O'Brien's</span> free TV debut against Heath Herring. Its free <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">MMA</span> so I'm trying to be happy. Let's hope Velasquez's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">takedown</span> defense is good enough to keep O'Brien from sitting on him for 15 minutes or that O'Brien has figured out what to do after taking a guy down. Otherwise, this could be a good time to wash the dishes.<br /><br />Johnson vs Burns - Johnson's a big guy that fights hard &amp; fast, Burns submitted Roan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Carniero</span>. I'm intrigued.<br /><br />Taylor vs <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Dollaway</span> - Look 2 guys that were both on the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">OMFG</span>! Taylor sat on top of guys to get to the finals &amp; <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Dollaway</span> beat 2 of the weaker guys on the show before getting arm-barred twice (but, at least he was man enough to complain after tapping the second time. If you miss this fight live, it'll probably be shown in its <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">entirety</span> on Hot Chicks with Douche Bags <a href="http://www.hotchickswithdouchebags.com/">http://www.hotchickswithdouchebags.com/</a>.<br /><br />Really, this fight makes the main card and Rory Markham's doesn't?Buget MMA Fanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08757741992745434434noreply@blogger.com0